"We found humor often has a local flavor," said Peter McGraw, the study's lead author and an associate professor of marketing and psychology at the university, in a statement. "The jokes that get laughs at comedy clubs in Denver seem unlikely to fly with a cartoon editor at The New Yorker, for example."

McGraw and his researchers tracked the 50 largest U.S. cities using a "humor algorithm," including how often residents visit Cheezburger comedy sites like Lolcats, the number of native-born famous comedians and the number of funny tweeters, among other measures.

The researchers also asked 900 residents from the top 10 funniest cities to describe their city's sense of humor.

1. Chicago

Chicago is known for its improvisational and situation-based humor. Chicagoans appreciate "deadpan and quick-witted humor," according to the study.

2. Boston

Boston humor is a mix of dry, intellectual humor and working-class humor focused on sports and drinking. Sarcasm is also prevalent.

3. Atlanta

Much of the city's humor is about race and is "perhaps a bit crass," the study says.

4. Washington

Political humor rules. One study participant said, "Even if the subject of a joke isn't overtly political, it tends to be colored by the world-weariness that comes with dealing with a lot of politicians."

5. Porland, Ore.

Jokes are quirky or just weird. The TV show Portlandia gives a taste of this type of humor.

6. New York

Humor is fast-paced and serves as a release for day-to-day life.

7. Los Angeles

Jokes are cynical and criticize the "fake" show business culture.

8. Denver

The humor in Denver reflects the city's laid-back style. Legalized marijuana also has recently been a source of jokes.

9. San Francisco

The city has a mix of "zany" humor, as well as intellectual humor that reflects the growth of the tech sector.